Entertainer wins permanent name suppression

A prominent New Zealand entertainer who assaulted his
ex-partner has been granted permanent name suppression and a
discharge without conviction.

The man appeared for sentence in the Auckland District Court
today on one charge of assault, which he promptly admitted
last year.

During an argument with his ex-girlfriend the man kicked her
in the thigh and struck her arm, leaving her with minor
bruising.

Judge Philip Recordon said he wasn't convinced that naming
the man would result in extreme hardship for him, but other
grounds of his lawyer Jenny Verry's application were
stronger.

"In my view publication of your name and details would cause
undue hardship to the victim of the offence," the judge said.

Ms Verry also said publicity would negatively effect others
associated with the entertainer.

APNZ and police opposed suppression, citing the interests of
open justice.

Judge Recordon agreed with Ms Verry that the consequences of
a conviction would outweigh the seriousness of the offence
and granted the man a discharge.

"[Since] you've been before the court, there's no reference
to any subsequent offending or callout, and you've led a life
which is one of contribution to society and you have accepted
responsibility and accountability and haven't tried to make
excuses," the judge told the man.

"No family violence is ever acceptable ... If there had to be
a category this would be in the lower end."

The judge said it would make a "nonsense" of the discharge if
suppression wasn't also granted.

The court heard the man and his ex-girlfriend were still
friends. The ex-girlfriend supported the man's discharge and
suppression applications.

"I do think, from the start, that the case is a private
matter," the ex said.

Since the incident the man had successfully participated in
an anti-violence programme and paid a donation to charity.